Router jig advice

[Monkey Mark]

Morning all,

I'm pretty new to woodworking really, but one tool I enjoy using is the router, even though I've only done simple tasks like round overs etc.

Id like to make a few basic jigs along the lines of circle cutter, mortising, flute etc.

Firstly, what material do you normally use to make these jigs? I've seen them made from mdf, ply, polycarbonate. I assume some is just due to whatever is at hand but wondered if there were reasons to some of them.

Secondly, what jigs would you say come in handy and any links would be great 8)

Cheers, Mark

 

[Bluekingfisher]

Mark - jigs can be made from whatever is on hand, their overall function is to facilitate a particular function or enhance and expand the usefulness of the tool.

However, certain materials are more useful than others, as you have already mentioned, the materials such as MDF ply or polycarbonate are good for jighs. They are smooth, durable and easily obtainable. There are no hard and fast rules as what to use.

With regards to access to suitable links, there are countless references to types of jigs on the web. There is even a router forum, dedicated to this tool ( I believe a US site, just search for router forum in your browser) which will cater for all your routing needs. Much like this site, there are many knowledgeable and helpful guys on there. Pick their brains, I'm sure they will be more than pleased to welcome a new member.

My advice would be to start off with simple jigs, relevant to the kind of work you intend or like to do. Simple jigs to improve the router fence are essential. Other simple jigs such as a trammel for cutting circles are useful as are straight edges for cutting housing joints are all good starting points. All of which are easy to make and as you advance your skills you can adapt the basic design to suit your needs.

Good luck

David

 

[dc_ni]

Here is a series of short videos that goes over jigs for a router: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQImTCJbo3c&list=PLD8yxEchZNNjgZSomMZqxLwppiFareGbC

Also don't forget to check the jigs, tips and shop made tools section of this forum, especially the wonderful world of Niki's jigs, a list of posts made by a former member who is sadly no longer with us.

Finally, the ultimate "jig" would be a router table to mount your router in, these can be as simple as a piece of wood with the router attached to and clamped in a workbench up to a cabinet with a router lift and fine adjuster fence.

 

[Baldhead]

Here is a series of short videos that goes over jigs for a router: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQImTCJbo3c&list=PLD8yxEchZNNjgZSomMZqxLwppiFareGbC

Also don't forget to check the jigs, tips and shop made tools section of this forum, especially the wonderful world of Niki's jigs, a list of posts made by a former member who is sadly no longer with us.

Finally, the ultimate "jig" would be a router table to mount your router in, these can be as simple as a piece of wood with the router attached to and clamped in a workbench up to a cabinet with a router lift and fine adjuster fence.

Dave beat me to it, Ron Fox was 'the man' when it came to routers, you can also pick up a lot of Rons tips from here
http://www.wealdentool.com Search their site not only for Rons tips but also their router bits, they are excellent quality.

Baldhead

 

[lanemaux]

There was once a program called "The Router Workshop " on Canadian version of PBS. Hosted by Bob and Rick Rosenthal I believe. It was quite a while ago , but the show probably lives on in youtubeland. Very heavy on table mount and freehand jigs and fixtures if I recall, with good clear explanations of how to use and construct them. might be worth a search on Dertuben for. Maybe even a torrent search if you are set up for it.

 

[Monkey Mark]

Here is a series of short videos that goes over jigs for a router: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQImTCJbo3c&list=PLD8yxEchZNNjgZSomMZqxLwppiFareGbC

Also don't forget to check the jigs, tips and shop made tools section of this forum, especially the wonderful world of Niki's jigs, a list of posts made by a former member who is sadly no longer with us.

Finally, the ultimate "jig" would be a router table to mount your router in, these can be as simple as a piece of wood with the router attached to and clamped in a workbench up to a cabinet with a router lift and fine adjuster fence.

What a fantastic little series there!
Working my way through them now. Thanks.

 

[Monkey Mark]

Here is a series of short videos that goes over jigs for a router: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQImTCJbo3c&list=PLD8yxEchZNNjgZSomMZqxLwppiFareGbC

Also don't forget to check the jigs, tips and shop made tools section of this forum, especially the wonderful world of Niki's jigs, a list of posts made by a former member who is sadly no longer with us.

Finally, the ultimate "jig" would be a router table to mount your router in, these can be as simple as a piece of wood with the router attached to and clamped in a workbench up to a cabinet with a router lift and fine adjuster fence.

Dave beat me to it, Ron Fox was 'the man' when it came to routers, you can also pick up a lot of Rons tips from here
http://www.wealdentool.com Search their site not only for Rons tips but also their router bits, they are excellent quality.

Baldhead

That's great, thanks.

 

[Monkey Mark]

There was once a program called "The Router Workshop " on Canadian version of PBS. Hosted by Bob and Rick Rosenthal I believe. It was quite a while ago , but the show probably lives on in youtubeland. Very heavy on table mount and freehand jigs and fixtures if I recall, with good clear explanations of how to use and construct them. might be worth a search on Dertuben for. Maybe even a torrent search if you are set up for it.

No torrents whilst at work but i'll certainly have a look when im home tonight.

 

[mseries]

I am a routerer mostly so keen to have more discussion on here about jigs and the like. For me if a jig is for a particular job and I am unlikely to use it again I use whatever I can find without worrying about durability or stability of the material. Many are rough and and ready and are only needed for a few hours, then I'll disassemble them and use the material for something else. My router table was made about 18 years ago from a worktop off cut that was under my fathers TV for a while, it's still going strong and works fine for what I need. My point is that you needn't get hung up on creating a jig that you'll be proud to show on Youtube so long as it does what you want it to do,

 

[Monkey Mark]

I am a routerer mostly so keen to have more discussion on here about jigs and the like. For me if a jig is for a particular job and I am unlikely to use it again I use whatever I can find without worrying about durability or stability of the material. Many are rough and and ready and are only needed for a few hours, then I'll disassemble them and use the material for something else. My router table was made about 18 years ago from a worktop off cut that was under my fathers TV for a while, it's still going strong and works fine for what I need. My point is that you needn't get hung up on creating a jig that you'll be proud to show on Youtube so long as it does what you want it to do,

That's very good points you make there.

I'm pretty new to routing (routering ?) and woodworking in general be honest.
I originally got for the router just to do a couple of jobs but found it very useful and strangely addictive. I do have one of the aldi router tables which is ok for the price paid but i also made another table an old kitchen worktop. I prefer the homemade one, especially as the surface on the aldi one doesn't seem very smooth so the workpiece will not move smoothly. Unfortunately someone moved the router table i had made whilst at work, dropping it in the process, damaging it beyond use. When I get around to sorting my garage i fully intend to make a better table when i finally decide how i want it.

 

[Eric The Viking]

I've got a 'proper' one now, from Axminster. It's not wonderful and they've since dropped that model from their range. It's only advantages are its height and sturdiness and having a plate fitted.

The first one I made ws probably best value, by far.

Recipe:
- One really cheap but full size Workmate copy.
- A wardrobe shelf from Ikea's scrap bin by the car park (can also be found by skip-diving). Some countersunk M5 and - M6 bolts, and some short. dome-headed chipboard screws

Procedure:
1. Mark centre point of shelf. Bolt router to shelf so axis is on centre point. Countersink bolts on the top.
2. Open 'workmate' jaws to max. invert and remove screws holding jaws to metal brackets.
3. Replace jaws with shelf. Screw onto brackets. Turn everything right way up.
4. Fit any old straight router cutter and plunge through shelf.

Manufacturing time is about 15 minutes (if you countersink neatly). It still folds up like the workmate originally did, but you have to unbolt the router. There is no dust extraction, except outdoors on windy days.

Niki had one that allowd the top to pivot, I think - very posh.

I think it's probably the woodworking item that has given me the most happiness down the years.

E.

 

[Monkey Mark]

I'd like to say a big thankyou for the links provided above.

That Ron Fox certainly knows what he is doing. The videos he has on the GetWoodworking site are great (just a shame they stop at 8) and the section he has on the weaden site is also great.

Has anyone bought Ron's book? I can imagine it would be a good read as he has a nice way of describing things.

 

[mseries]

I made my router table after pouring over some magazines and books and picked out the features I wanted and that I felt was skilled enough to create. The finished product doesn't look like anything in those articles !!, except the fence ! I haven't seen Ron Fox's book I am afraid. I was a beginner close to 20 years ago so my books are old and probably out dated now. From memory I have "Router Magic" by Bill Hilton, "Router Jigs and Techniques" by Patrick Spielman and some others that I picked up in the US. All have stuff that was too advanced/ambitious for me as a beginner but they served to enthuse and inspire me. Routing us more popular now, the machines are cheaper and many more people are publishing on the internet.

 

[markblue777]

Just to add that you dont need to go out and buy a whole sheet of MDF just go to your local DIY shed that has a cutting service and ask if they have any MDF off cuts (obviously just get sizes that fit your needs) they will be cheap usually.

Alternatively go to your local timber merchant and ask in there. Mine give me some off cuts for free and a little beer donation to a worked can get you some large offcut sheets (and maybe even a cut or 2)

Cheers
Mark

 

[Eric The Viking]

...From memory I have "Router Magic" by Bill Hilton, "Router Jigs and Techniques" by Patrick Spielman and some others...

I've got several Bill H. books too. He writes with a warmth and sense of humor (editor-dependent!), and is a good read Have a look on Abe Books for both "Router Magic" and this one:

"Bill Hylton's Ultimate Guide to the Router Table"
Popular Woodworking, 2007
ISBN (10): 1-55870-796-4,
ISBN (13) 978-1-55870-796-2

Distributed by David & Charles in the UK (or it was!).

You don't have to do everything he says, but the ideas are really useful.

HTH, E.